Gradual-onset eye pain, and sudden acute eye pain, have a variety of causes.
“While eye pain is not generally caused by tooth problems, there are specific instances where the two can be related,” says Marco L. Tironi, DDS, who practices dentistry in Rochester, MI.
“Due to the fact that your teeth are in a reasonably close proximity to your eyes and peri-orbital structures, certain dental infections can also affect the eyes.
“This generally manifests in the form of swelling or inflammation associated with an upper tooth, putting pressure on the eyes or their surrounding structures.
“With that being said, being preventative and seeing your dentist regularly will likely catch such a tooth problem before it affects the eyes.”
Pain Only when Moving an Eye
If your eye hurts or aches ONLY when you move it, this will not be caused by a tooth problem, nor will it be caused by TMJ disorder.
If the aching or pain upon movement doesn’t go away after a few days, see your primary care physician, who may then refer you to an ophthalmologist.
If the pain, aching or pressure is constant and doesn’t fluctuate with eye movement, the cause is more likely to involve the sinuses than the teeth.
A serious or acute condition that generates discomfort to the eye will almost always cause other symptoms as well.
A member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Tironi is trained in sedation dentistry, dental implantology, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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